In the news: Skyscanner launches trains feature while travel technology companies forge ties with more airlines
TRAVEL TECHNOLOGY: Skyscanner app now has new trains feature
UK travellers now can buy train tickets on Skyscanner app (Image credit: alice-photoiStock-GettyImages)
Edinburgh-based Skyscanner has diversified its offerings to travellers in the United Kingdom with the launch of a train booking feature, which allows users of its iOS app to search for and book cheap rail tickets.
This service is in addition to the travel search engine’s existing options to book flights and hotels, as well as hire cars.
There are no booking and credit card fees. Travellers can also use a railcard and the option to buy advanced, anytime, off-peak, standard and return tickets.
The data behind the rail feature is powered by international travel booking service, Trip.com, which will also provide 24-hour customer service.
Ctrip, which owns Trip.com, bought Skyscanner in December 2016 in a deal worth £1.4bn. The sale allows Skyscanner, which remains operationally independent, to leverage the Chinese travel giant’s technology – as the trains feature proves.
“Being part of the Ctrip group allows us to take advantage of elements of Ctrip’s technology and experience and bring that value to Skyscanner’s travellers,” said Bryan Dove, Skyscanner’s chief technology officer.
“The launch of our train booking product is one such example. Our focus has always been on making travel as easy as possible and our new train feature will do just that, with the benefit of no booking fees.”
The news comes just a few months after acquired London start-up Twizoo and the use of in-trip content through Ctrip’s acquisition of Trip.com in November last year.
The trains feature is currently available only for iOS app users, with an Android version to launch soon.
According to Skyscanner, its app has been downloaded over 70 million times and mobile users account for over 60% of its traffic.
DISTRIBUTION NEWS: More partnerships as travel technology companies strengthen ties with airlines
Flight crew of JC International Airlines
• Sabre
Sabre has signed two Chinese carriers and broaden its ties with a Japanese airline to help them expand their global footprint.
In Cambodia, it tied up with Lanmei Airlines and JC International Airlines, two fast-growing carriers, allowing them to offer their content to travel agencies across the globe.
Lanmei Airlines is a Chinese-owned low cost carrier registered in Cambodia. The company, which launched operations in September last year, operates flights from Phnom Penh to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City via Siem Reap and Macau via Siem Reap.
JC International Airlines, founded in 2014, launched operations in March 2017 with flights to three destinations in Cambodia – Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Sihanoukville.
The technology company also renewed its partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) as it expands internationally to cater to the needs of the country’s fast-changing travel industry.
Under the new deal, JAL can leverage Sabre’s group booking tools for the first time, providing the necessary support to manage its high-volume group business. The airline is also able to expand its reach as Sabre connected agencies can promote its content with groups, giving travellers more booking options.
• Travelport
Travelport has inked an agreement with Air France KLM for the distribution of the airline’s content through its platform.
Air France, KLM and HOP! content on Travelport’s platform now include its rich content, branded fares, fare families and multiple ancillaries.
This agreement also enables customers selected by Air France HOP! and KLM to access a private channel via Travelport through which they receive content without the additional distribution surcharge levied by Air France KLM.
“Travelport has been a great partner throughout our Private Channel engagement as a transition towards NDC. Both Air France KLM and Travelport will work together to bring NDC content of new fares, products, services and rich media in the marketplace,” said Emmanuelle Gailland, vice president distribution for Air France KLM.
• Featured image credit: Frederic-Prochasson/iStock-Getty Images
